Exclusive! Kaif: 'You can't keep away from politics'

'You can't keep away from politics'

'The Congress is a national party and you get a lot of freedom when you work for it. There is not much interference in decision-making and that was one of the reasons I considered joining the party.'

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif tells Rediff.com's Harish Kotian in an exclusive interview why he has retired from cricket and joined politics.

Mohammad Kaif is best remembered for his heroic partnership with Yuvraj Singh which saw India successfully chase down an unlikely 326 and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the 2002 NatWest series final against England.

The Allahabad-born cricketer, who played 125 One Day Internationals and 13 Tests between 2000 and 2006, helped steer India to many victories over the years.

The 33 year old, who only a week ago was playing domestic cricket for Uttar Pradesh, has joined the Congress party and will fight the Lok Sabha election from Phulpur in Uttar Pradesh, a constituency once represented by Jawaharlal Nehru and his sister Vijayalaxmi Pandit.

The Congress party has not won Phulpur since 1984, and Kaif is pulling out all stops to emerge triumphant.

Kaif tells Rediff.com's about his plans.

How come, politics all of a sudden?

I always had it in mind to get into politics.

I come from Phulpur district in Allahabad, and I want to do something for the people there.

For the last couple of years I was thinking of getting into politics, but was waiting for the right moment. I think it is the right time now!